New Croydon Variobahn trams in service early

BOTH of the two follow-on Variobahn trams ordered by Transport for London for London Tramlink in May 2015 are now in service – much earlier than the original schedule of March 2017, writes Keith Fender.

Croydon’s newest tram – No. 2565 – is pictured at Sandilands on December 3 passing a floral tribute to the victims of the nearby tram accident on November 9. Croydon Council is planning a permanent memorial to those who died. KEITH FENDER

The final set – No. 2565 – entered service on November 4, less than a week before the fatal derailment of Bombardier-built CR4000 No. 2551 near Sandilands on November 9. This latter vehicle is now out of use and at the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) base in Farnborough. It is not known yet whether it will be repaired or scrapped.

The two new trams – Nos. 2564 and 2565 – were moved by road from Berlin via Harwich, and arrived in Croydon in late-September and mid-October. No. 2654 entered service on October 21.

Read more in January’s issue of The RM

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